Sonja Picard

About us

Since 1990 Sonja has been creating her life as a professional full time artist. Her extensive playground of mediums come from an insatiable desire to create in limitless ways. Her spiritual landscape has shaped her creativity, from 10 years of studies under 2 Shamans to studying with various scholarly Gurus, Sonja has been driven to give voice to the sacred through her creativity. Sonja’s career started with her first 10 years in ceramics encompassing sculpture, architectural ceramics, and studio ceramics and she was the giftware designer for one of the worlds leading giftware companies. In 2000 Sonja launched a line of jewelry dedicated to the ancient knowledge of Yoga that has become one of the largest comprehensive lines infused with its wisdom and mantras. Her jewelry designs have been worn on the red carpet and have won many awards in bridal commitment ring categories. Not stopping there, glass casting and fusing, designing interiors of exclusive homes, to mix media and fine art painting all continue to be at her fingertips of exploration. Sonja was traditionally initiated into mantras by her Guru and continues to study its wisdom as her personal life pursuit. Sonja creates from the ancient Eastern tradition of 'transmission' where the making of the piece passes through the artist in heart connection while chanting sacred mantras in the creative process. A combination of meditation, mysticism and devotion that allows the artist to manifest the vision without connection to mind or ego all while holding it’s intention. Whether it is hand carving her jewelry or creating a painting this ‘ancient technology’ has always been a part of her creative process. Sonja hand carves each of her originals in wax, and in doing so she inspires to invoke the human spirit alongside with the sacred in every piece she creates. Picard's creations are recognized by their refined organic and sculptural quality offering a luxurious and sensual feeling while each piece conveys the ancient in a modern timeless piece. “By chanting, viewing or wearing a sacred mantra, word or symbol this act is a form of meditation, that can lift us to a higher sense of consciousness.” - Picard

Retreat Guru's Vision

We believe human beings are innately wise, strong and kind. This wisdom, although not always experienced, is always present. Going on retreat is a beautiful way to reconnect to our basic sanity and health. Our aspiration at Retreat Guru is to inspire people to experience authentic retreats and reconnect with their innate wisdom, strength and kindness.